Volkswagen has unveiled new images and details of its ID concept — the company's upcoming all-electric car.
The German carmaker has previously announced that the ID would be as revolutionary as the Beetle, which generated a lot of hype in the auto market. Volkswagen also claims that the ID concept has potential to make history.
"This one-of-a-kind concept car signals the Volkswagen brand's entry into a new era: because the vehicle is as revolutionary as the Beetle was seven decades ago before it evolved into the world's best-selling car of the century. The concept car has the potential to make history with its completely new vehicle concept. The production vehicle which follows will be the first Volkswagen to hit the market based on the new modular electrification kit (MEB)," said Volkswagen.
The vehicle maker has released more specs of the upcoming car and also confirmed that the electric car will be launched in 2020.
Volkswagen's upcoming car will have autonomous driving capabilities. One single battery charge is expected to give an output between 249 and 373 miles. Reports suggest that the mileage figures are based on liberal European testing cycle, but the ID should offer distance similar to the 215 miles per charge of the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
The ID produces 168 horsepower (hp) and reach speeds from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in less than 8 seconds. The top speed of the Volkswagen will be 99 mph.
The ID features a laser-enhanced automated mode called ID Pilot, which retracts the steering wheel into the dashboard for driverless operation, a very futuristic technology that may attract many car buyers.
The lounge-like interior of the car is very impressive, which the company calls Open Space, a layout that has been made possible by the rear-mounted electric motor and the floor-mounted battery. Although, Volkswagen plans to launch the ID in 2020, the autonomous tech is not expected to be deployed until 2025, the year when the carmaker is hoping to hit the million electric cars sold milestone.
The ID is also futuristic when it comes to the exteriors. The ID has an array of LED lights that react differently based on what the vehicle is doing. For instance, a narrow strip of lights in the headlights will be illuminated when the car is parked.
Information on the pricing of ID remains unclear. However, Volkswagen has revealed that the ID will bear a price tag similar to the well-equipped models of Golf. The starting price of e-Golf is $28,995 in the U.S., which means that customers should hope for similar pricing for ID at launch.
